BLA and BLF take responsibility for series of attacks throughout Balochistan

Two prominent Baloch “pro-independence” armed groups, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), have recently claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated attacks across multiple districts in Balochistan. These attacks targeted Pakistani intelligence personnel, state infrastructure, and security forces over the past two days, escalating tensions in the region.

The BLA issued a statement on Tuesday, with spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch announcing that their fighters “neutralized” Bilal Aarahi in an armed attack near Wahdat Colony in Quetta. Aarahi was identified as an operative of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and the group accused him of working under the guise of a medical supplier to gather intelligence and facilitate military operations.

According to the BLA, Aarahi, who was a resident of Lahore, was involved in recruiting agents and supporting Pakistani military activities within Balochistan. The group framed his killing as part of their ongoing resistance against what they describe as occupying Pakistani forces and agencies operating within their land.

In a separate operation, the BLA claimed to have destroyed machinery belonging to a local road construction company in Kharan’s Sarwan area. The group described the company’s equipment—including two tractors and three other heavy machinery pieces, as “exploitative” and responsible for local oppression. They warned local contractors to refrain from participating in such projects, asserting that failure to do so would result in responsibility for any resulting loss of life or property.

Meanwhile, the BLF took a different approach by asserting control over the Spezend Levies Station in Dasht on Sunday evening. In their statement, BLF spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch said fighters detained all Levies personnel present at the post, seized their weapons, and established checkpoints along key highways, including the Quetta–Sibi route.

The BLF emphasized the strategic significance of these actions, stating that setting up checkpoints on vital highways like Quetta, Mastung, and Noshki demonstrated their operational strength and tactical planning. The group claimed that such measures are part of their broader strategy to challenge state authority and assert their influence in the region.

Between Saturday and Monday, the BLF reported carrying out five attacks, including assaults on military checkpoints in the Mashkay’s Ogwar and Tank areas. These attacks involved ambushes and direct engagements with security forces, resulting in the death of at least one soldier according to reports.

The group also claimed responsibility for a sniper attack that targeted a security personnel, which they said resulted in the death of a soldier. Additionally, they destroyed equipment at a mobile tower operated by Ufone, a major telecom provider, aiming to disrupt communication networks in the region.

On Monday, the BLF targeted a vehicle transporting valuable mineral stones, which was under state protection, in Wadh’s Kaka Heer area. The attack damaged the vehicle, but no casualties were reported, highlighting their focus on economic targets linked to resource extraction and state interests.

Both groups reaffirmed their commitment to continued armed resistance, framing their actions as part of a broader struggle for the “liberation of occupied Balochistan.” Their statements highlight a persistent resolve to oppose Pakistani authorities and assert Baloch national aspirations through militant means.

Pakistani authorities have yet to issue an official response to these claims. The escalated violence underscores ongoing instability in Balochistan, where insurgent groups maintain their fight against what they perceive as occupation and exploitation by the Pakistani state. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further confrontations.